Patent GB-1479553-A (GB)
Title: Continuous filtering process and apparatus
IPC: B01D35/22
Filed: 1975-10-21
Abstract: 1479553 Filter agitating and aerating liquids TOSHIN SCIENCE CO Ltd and SEKISUI KAGAKU KOGYO KK 21 Oct 1975 [25 Oct 1974 28 May 1975] 43208/75 Headings B1C and BID [Also in Division Cl] A filter comprises an array of flat annular filter discs 11 provided with filter medium 19 on both sides and with internal filtrate drainage passages, arranged alternately with solid discs 12 rotating with shaft 13 to agitate the liquid or gas to be filtered in the spaces (3-5 mm clearance) between the discs. The clearances between discs 11, 12 widen radially outwards. Filtrate leaves the discs 11 through outlets 74 leading to external manifold 77; fluid enters the housing from a lower manifold 60 through inlets (57) at the bottom of the housing (Figs. 1, 2 not shown). Concentrated fluid leaves the housing from the upstream sides of the discs 11 via outlets 69 in Fig. 3. Discs 11 comprise solid plates 14 whose outer peripheries are clamped between end plates 27 to form the cylindrical wall of the housing. Sheets 19 comprise polyethylene with perforations of 2 microns dia., clamped to plates 14 by inner and outer rings 22, 23 and supported by multilayer drainage structures filling annular recesses in the plates. These structures comprise woven wire or sintered plastics or wire pieces 16, metal net 17 and non-woven synthetic fabric 18. Discs 12 taper outwards and have spiral recesses 32 whose action opposes the centrifugal forces and increases turbulence, so that fluid flows uniformly through all parts of sheets 19. Discs 12 are knurled to roughen their surfaces and may be metal or plastics with an affinity (molecular attraction) with fluid to be filtered. In use discs rotate at an inner peripheral speed of at least 3 metres/sec, but this may be increased by 50%, while filtrate flow is suspended, to remove accumulated solids from the filter discs. Normally however the filter runs continuously and solids do not accumulate. Fig. 1 illustrates the various pumps, pressure gauges, flowmeter and valves which may be connected to the filter, including a cooling water circuit for shaft seal 50, sludge discharge valves (88) connected to the inlets (57), and electric motor 55 driving shaft 13. Fig. 5 shows the filter purifying waste water with the aid of particles of active carbon, ionexchange resin, diatomaceous earth, ferrous oxide, nickel oxide or -montmorillonite which are 100-1000 times bigger than the impurities to be removed and which are continuously circulated through the upstream side of the filter and through mixing tank 100, wherein compressed air nozzles 101 aerate and agitate the water and particles. This assists the particles to absorb, adsorb or react with the impurities. The flow through the upstream side of the filter via line 61, outlets 69 and line 71 is 15-25 times the flow of filtrate withdrawn, equal to the net inflow of water from tank 104. Periodically valves 65, 72 are closed and valves (88), 108 and 112 are opened, and pump 62 then empties the filter into unit 109, air vent (95) on the filter housing facilitating this. Unit 109 comprises a settler or centrifuge to recover the solid particles and a steam regenerator to regenerate them.